CHILDREN’S charity the NSPCC is calling for more volunteers as the new school term begins, after record numbers of youngsters were taught how to keep themselves safe.
Over 5,700 school children in Warwickshire took part in the charity’s pioneering Speak Out Stay Safe programme during the 2016/17 academic year.
The programme teaches children aged five to 11 how to recognise sexual, emotional and physical abuse, and who they can talk to.
Speak Out Stay Safe consists of an assembly presentation for children aged five to 11 followed by a one hour classroom workshop for children in years 5 and 6.
With the help of NSPCC mascot Buddy, the child-friendly, interactive assemblies and workshops help children understand abuse in all its forms and recognise the signs, know how to protect themselves and how to get help, including using the Childline service.
NSPCC Schools Service Manager Nick Hanslip said: “Speak Out Stay Safe is spreading an important message in a lively, interactive and memorable way, while also helping children feel empowered to talk to a trusted adult or Childline.
“We are delighted to have reached so many children in Warwickshire last year and we are looking forward to going back into schools over the coming months.
“But we rely on the help of volunteers to deliver this programme so I would urge anyone interested in getting involved to contact us.”
Call 0121 227 7577, visit www.nspcc.org.uk/what-you-can-do or email [email protected] to become an NSPCC Schools Service volunteer or to find out more.
